Affect of compaction over monitoring site

[Steve Evett <srevett@ag.gov>]

Peter,

I don't have a reference in mind, but this is often a consideration with
field monitoring schemes.  In the past I've used 'duck boards' to help
avoid this.  These consist of boards held off the ground with wood
spacers.  They are made as narrow as can be, but still able to walk on
without falling off.  If narrow enough they can be left in the field and
the crop will grow up around them.  When I used them I carried them with
me (only one at any one time) and laid the board in the same place every
time.  When left in place they serve as a guide and help ensure that the
user will always walk in the same place and not compact the soil and
damage the plants all over.

Best regards, Steve

>Dear All,

>Does anybody know of, or had experience in, studying the affect of
>compaction near a monitoring site ( eg. Tensiometer, Neutron Probe etc )
>on water use, extraction pattern at that montiroing site. And whether
>this site over time, becomes un representative of the field ?

>Regards

>Peter Broomhall
>Peter Broomhall
>Horticultural Consultant

>Hortech Services Pty Ltd
>a.c.n. 060 406 957
>P.O. Box 370
>Kallangur QLD 4503
>Australia


--------
Steve Evett    srevett@ag.gov   http://www.net.usda.gov/cprl/ USDA-ARS,
P.O. Drawer 10, 2300 Experiment Station Road
Bushland, Texas 79012.  Tel:806.356.5775  FAX:806.356.5750
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